Chapter 27 Take Your Hand Off Her Shoulder
+8 Pearls
Christopher spoke as he pulled Lucy toward his car, opened the back door, and unceremoniously pushed her inside.
Lucy stared at him, stunned and confused about his intentions. She had wanted to eat at a roadside stall, but before she could voice her thoughts, Christopher slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine.
The car ride fell into an eerie silence, almost suffocating. Lucy felt a shiver down her spine, a sense of unease washing over her.
Emily’s perfume lingered in the air, intensifying her discomfort. She quickly turned her gaze to the window, seeking distraction.
Emily seemed unsettled as well, glancing at Christopher several times. As they approached the restaurant, she finally broke the silence with, “Are you planning to bring Mrs. Wines to the hotel as well?”
“Yes.” Christopher responded bluntly.
“That works. Since she’s always with the Dale family, she needs to socialize with our friends. Although, our group can be a bit unwelcoming to outsiders.” Emily remarked, gently reminding him.
Their social circle rarely included newcomers.
“She is part of the Dale family.” Christopher asserted firmly.
Emily turned to look at him, interpreting his words as an acknowledgment of Lucy’s status as his wife.
Touching her small belly, Emily lowered her head and murmured, “Yes, the Dale family owes her. In the future, we’ll treat her well. The baby will see her as a close aunt.”
Christopher cast a glance at her before refocusing on the road. In the back seat, Lucy felt invisible as they casually discussed her so casually.
“When you meet Owen and the others later, don’t be nervous. You’ve met them once before.” Emily reassured her.
“Okay.” Lucy replied quietly, not wanting to argue with a pregnant woman and wishing to exit the car as soon as possible.
Upon arriving at the Dale family’s hotel, the group inside appeared visibly surprised. Emily instinctively hooked her arm through Christopher’s as they entered, with Lucy trailing behind.
“What’s going on?” Allen asked, puzzled.
“She doesn’t have any friends here, so this will be her group from now on. Christopher announced as he sat down.
Everyone immediately understood his implication, Lucy was officially joining their circle.
“Lucy is five years younger than us. You all need to treat her well, or I won’t let you off.” Emily stated warmly, sitting beside Christopher as an older sister would.
“Well, since you two put it that way, we’ll take care of her. Come, Lucy, have a seat. With a name like yours, I bet you have a great tolerance for alcohol. Tonight, we’ve got to drink.” Owen said, standing up to warmly usher her in, throwing an arm around her shoulder in a friendly manner.
Lucy felt uneasy but managed a polite smile, “Actually, I don’t have a great tolerance for alcohol.” She tried to explain, her awkwardness evident as she attempted to break free from his embrace.
But Owen, ever sociable, kept his arm firmly in place as he led her forward. “Oh, you’re shy, aren’t you? Is it because we’re not familiar yet?”
“Take your hand off her shoulder.” A cold, commanding voice interrupted Owen.
Grady, having noticed Christopher’s displeasure, quickly signaled to Owen with his eyes to let go.
9:54 AM
She’s The One He Won’t Let Go
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